Published: September 14, 2020
The following is a statement from the Company regarding Tropical Storm Sally impact on plant operations.
On Sept. 12, 2020, the Company activated its Emergency Operations Center (“EOC”) in response to the risk from Tropical Storm Sally, which could become a hurricane at landfall. The National Hurricane Center is projecting landfall of Tropical Storm Sally near New Orleans, Louisiana, where tropical storm conditions are expected to begin late Monday, with hurricane conditions expected in the area Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2020 capable of producing dangerous storm surge, damaging winds and flash flooding.
Cornerstone Chemical Company (“Cornerstone”) is committed to protecting its employees, the community and the environment and has an emergency response plan for situations such as tropical storms, hurricanes, high river levels and wind.
For Tropical Storm Sally, Cornerstone has activated its Emergency Operations Center where the Emergency Management Team is closely monitoring the storm’s track and taking necessary precautions to ensure the safety of its employees and the facility. The EOC coordinated preparations for this storm beginning on Sept. 12, 2020, which included staffing, shelter in place, electrical generation, water management and site shutdown plans if, and, as needed.
At this time, we have reduced rates and have begun to idle certain of our production units, which will remain offline throughout the duration of the storm. All site resources have been secured, and communication channels will be maintained to ensure safety. All pumps and drains at the plant are clean, clear and operational and any water that is onsite will be processed so there is no impact to the surrounding area. Food, water and lodging is available to support essential employees who will stay onsite throughout the duration of the weather event. All non-essential personnel have been released from reporting to work on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2020.
Cornerstone’s Emergency Management Team will continue to monitor weather conditions, make decisions as needed and keep all personnel informed. Cornerstone is working closely with all local Emergency Operations Centers in the region. The Company will provide additional updates as the storm progresses.